MillerMatic 175 vs MillerMatic 251

[Dave_Andrews]

Hello,

I've been reading this board for several months now and have finally signed up. I have a Mig question for the experts here. I've owned a MillerMatic 175 for 2 years now and absolutely love it. I've been using it to weld brackets and the exhaust system for my turbocharged '68 chevelle. I'm not a very good welder, but I really enjoy using the machine and doing the work myself. Much of the welding I do is on 304 stainless pipe. I've used the SS 308 wire with Tri-mix, and it's worked fairly well. However, I'm curious about what type of differences I'll see in weld quality if I trade in my MM175 for a new MM251. I normally don't weld real thick stuff, but occasionally do 3/8". Can anyone out there explain to a newbie what differences I'll notice?

Thank you,

Dave

[Sberry]

There may be some subtle differences in adjustment but the big difference is in power for heavy weldments. They are 2 different power class machines and there would be some more options in setups for different processes mostly in heavy work that likely wouldnt apply to the general hobby user.

[INTP]

From your description, I'd focus on the weldOr, not the welding machine. Take a class if possible, or if not get some practical instruction. I know this isn't what you asked, but...

[Sundown]

If you are only going to do 3/8" once in a while I would suggest you look at at MM210. Excellent low end for 22ga, 3/8" no problem, and tapped voltage with no WST, so IMO it's easier to tune in. If you just want to spend the money that a 251 costs, then a MM210 with a 3035 spoolgun might be an option (then you have 14ga aluminum and thicker locked up). Just my opinion.

[gastafalo_bob]

I own a millermatic 210 which is similar to the 251. I have also welded with a 175 before. The biggest difference would be smoothness of the wire feeder. The 2XX series machines also come with a higher quality gun and have alot more power. As stated earlier the welder makes the machine look good most of the time. Keep on practicing and reading. I have been doing lots of research on Tig myself

[tackit]

I have the MM173 challenger and the MM251. The 173 with .030 wire is the one I go to for thiner material. I like the 173's smaller gun, it's great for welding in tight situations and when welding around small diameters, and the door setting on my 173 are right on the money. I think It's going to be hard to beat the way your 175 welds, it's a fantastic welder.

The MM251 allows me to sleep well, it's my buddy,always there for anything that comes along, I've never been sorry or disappointed I bought it.

[Danny]

Dave,

Since you aren t having any difficulty dealing with the wirespeed tracking design on the MM 175, I dought that your welding skill level is to the point were you will be able to see much difference between the two units. Anyway, I own a MM 175 and a MM 251. At my skill level, the first noticable difference is how much easier the MM 251, without wire speed tracking, is to dial the short circuit transfer arc in on then the MM 175 is with its wirespeed tracking feature. Secondly, when both machines arc dialed in properly, the arc on the MM 251 is a little softer then the MM 175, which results in a weld bead that is slightly wetter too. Meaning the weld puddle on the MM 251 wets out a little quicker then the MM 175. Since you personally have stated that you aren t a very good weldor, I suspect you would see a bigger difference in arc quality between your MM 175 and a MM 210. What I mean here is the tapped design of the MM 210 makes dialing the arc in properly quite a bit easier. Several of the doorchart settings on the MM 210 are pretty solid, and create a very nice short circuit transfer. If you're wanting to step up in machine size, in my opinion, the MM 210 is better suited for the hobbyist level weldor since it is a simplier unit to operate the controls on, and also considering most hobbyist level weldor arent going to do anything beyond short circuit transfer. BTW, I also own a MM 210.

[cope]

I agree with George and Dan; the MM210 is all I need and I have owned/used quite a few Migs. I had a PowCon that would output 250 amps, but I have never used a Mig that ran as sweet as the 210. Most home users will never need >3/8" capacity anyway.

[Dave_Andrews]

Guys, I want to thank everyone for answering my questions. It's nice to get accurate advice from people that actually use the equipment. It sounds like I'll stay with my MM175 for now and practice just as several of you have suggested.

Dave